India, Pakistan troops exchange sweets on border

Jammu: Indian and Pakistani troops today exchanged sweets at Chakan-Da-Bagh and Mendhar crossing points along the LoC in Poonch and the International Border here to celebrate Eid-ul Azha.

"Sweets and dry fruits were exchanged between Indian and Pakistani armies along the Line of Control at Chakan-Da-Bagh and Mendhar crossing points in Poonch district," a defence spokesman said.

"They exchanged greetings and pleasantries in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere," he said.

Border Security Force and Pakistani Rangers also exchanged sweets at several places along the IB in Jammu.

"Sweets were exchanged with Pakistani Rangers at several points including Octroi post in R S Pura sector," a senior BSF official said. Exchange of sweets between both the sides on major occasions has been a regular feature for past several years.

However, tension on the border due to ceasefire violations has on several occasions cast a shadow on the custom of exchanging pleasantries during festivals.

In June, Pakistani Rangers had refused to accept the sweets offered by the BSF on the occasion of Eid.